6 Incredible Futuristic Train Stations

There's always been something incredibly romantic about traveling by train, and now there are even more reasons to do it since rail is a more environmentally friendly option that's getting faster every year. Keeping up with this green mode of transportation, futuristic high-speed rail stations are all the rage, with China leading the pack and Europe not too far behind as countries upgrade their older facilities. Even the US is getting in on the action and is currently working on renovating or building new stations. In the last 2 years we've seen some brilliant rail stations completed - click through our gallery to see our favorites!

This Grimshaw Architects-designed rail station in Newport, Wales is a spiraling futuristic facility that connects both sides of the city. Newport Station was renovated in 2010 in advance of the Ryder Cup and features energy efficient design, rainwater harvesting and an ETFE membrane on the roofs to soak up natural daylighting.

This transparent station in Liège, Belgium connects the high speed rail lines into Northern Europe. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Liège-Guillemins TGV Station most prominently makes use of natural daylighting and is an elegant building to serve as the gateway to a city undergoing a renewal.

King’s Cross Station just underwent a 5 year renovation and what an improvement it is. Skylights over the main train shed transform it into a fresh and modern space, while the brand new Western Concourse is a stunning building with a huge free-spanning translucent roof. The renovation and upgrade was handled by John McAslan + Partners and is opening up just in time for the London Olympics this summer.

One of a number of new rail stations in China, the Guangzhou South Railway station is a critical stop in China’s new high speed rail network. The TFP Farrells-designed station maximizes natural daylight and minimizes energy use all while improving the public transportation network of the Pearl River Delta.

Another critical high speed rail station in China is Tianjin West, which is located outside of Beijing and serves as a stop on its way to Shanghai. Designed by gmp Architekten, Tianjin West Railway Station features a 400-meter-long barrel vault roof that rises over the terminal concourse, soaking up the sun to create an invigorating and naturally daylit space below.

The new Hyllie Station is an out of this world facility in Malmö, Sweden that places a strong focus on natural daylight. Designed by Metro Arkitekter, the station was completed in 2010 and currently serves passengers from Copenhagen and Malmö.